Sport Psychologist by Jake Kolk

Major

kolkjr — 2023-12-03 03:07:36 UTC

So far I think being a sports psychologist would be awesome! I would love to work with a pro sports team specifically a team in the NHL. I don't know what position that could be for a sports team but my goal is to be apart of an NHL teams staff. That would leave me to believe that maybe I switch my major from kinesiology to sports management potentially. I haven't put much thought into what I want to switch my major to, this next semester I am focusing on Miami plan classes and was planning to think about over the summer.

Clubs

kolkjr — 2023-12-03 03:13:01 UTC

For starters I was thinking next year I was going to try out for the club hockey team. I played hockey all my life and this past year I've realized how much I enjoy it. It's just about all I watch. There is also a sports marketing club which could be cool to check out.

Organizations

kolkjr — 2023-12-03 03:17:22 UTC

There are a two organizations through Miami that seem very interesting, they are Miami regionals psychological science club and the society for psychological inquiry. Now I'm not too sure I will join either of these but it's always good to have in the back of my mind

Career Counseling

kolkjr — 2023-12-03 03:23:38 UTC

As far as career services goes, Miami has a great resource that I can use to consult my ideas and get help to create a career path during my time here at Miami. I can even schedule a 30 or 60 minute career advising appointment with my counselor. I will definitely utilize this resource as I am a bit lost on what steps I want to take and would love to talk to someone about it.

Shadowing/Internships

kolkjr — 2023-12-03 03:28:47 UTC

I think as of right now I should first decide on a plan I want to take for my new major. It would be very beneficial to shadow other professionals based on the field of work I would want to do. I know someone who is a physical therapist which I should utilize. I don't think I know any sports psychologist but there are definitely opportunities that Miami offers. However, I feel as though I have to reach a certain point to do so. I know the Red Wings equipment managers daughter, but I don't think that will get me too far.

Graduate Education

kolkjr — 2023-12-03 03:34:31 UTC

As a sports psychologist most positions require a doctorate or masters degree which would require a lot of extra schooling. Personally that is what drove me away from being a physical therapist because of the extra schooling that would be required. My senior year of high school I was so set on becoming a pt that I had tunnel vision for it and didn't open my mind up to other potential career ideas. Just through my first semester I've learned how tough some of the kinesiology courses can be. I am not the best student so it has been a bit tough.

Entrance Exams

kolkjr — 2023-12-03 03:40:19 UTC

It looks like the only concrete exam would be the EPPP (Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology), and a supervised year of post doctorate work. So far I have enjoyed my psychology class the most which is the main reason I choose to do my career timeline on a sports psychologist. I have been doing the best in that class too which makes me think I am actually very interested in the topics under psychology.

License

kolkjr — 2023-12-03 03:46:59 UTC

To become a sports psychologist most states require a doctorates degree in the field of psychology which you choose. It also requires that year of supervised work in the field. In order for me to become a sports psychologist I would have to get my doctorates degree in the field and be supervised for a year. Maybe the extra schooling would be worth it so I can mix two things I am passionate about; sports and psychology. It looks like there is another certification that you can get it is offered by the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP).

Good Grad Programs

kolkjr — 2023-12-03 03:52:54 UTC

After a quick google search it looks like the schools with good psychology graduate programs are prestigious schools that I would have no chance getting into. However, the University of Minnesota has a great program and that seems like a school I would be able to get into. There is also Ohio State, but I don't think that school would fit me. Another notable school was the University of Chicago which was a school I almost applied to.

Entry-Level Jobs

kolkjr — 2023-12-03 04:02:05 UTC

In sports psychology entry-level jobs are typically clinical, applied, academic, or research type of jobs. It's important to network with other people to build a good reputation and potential opportunities may arise. Looking to be a sports psychologist assistant would be the best bet to gain first hand experience. A portfolio may be a good idea too, that way you can show employers your experience in the field.

Dream Job

kolkjr — 2023-12-03 04:10:24 UTC

My dream job definitely needs to be surrounded by hockey, whether that be a player, or a apart of the staff it is a dream of mine to be working for the NHL. I don't know exactly what position I would want wether that be a sports psychologist for the team or an equipment manager I would love both jobs the same.

Next Steps

kolkjr — 2023-12-03 04:15:25 UTC

My next steps start with deciding what I want to switch my major to that will allow me to one day get a job in the NHL wether it be for the league or for a certain team. I want to make an appointment to talk to my career counselor and see what paths I could take to one day work in the NHL. Once next year rolls around and I will be skating I am sure something is going to click and make me more motivated and hardworking and lead me to be more successful in school.